James Tavernier Faces Celtic as Rangers Chases Hearts Gap

james tavernier and Rangers head into the Old Firm derby at Parkhead in a really difficult position, with Hearts four points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership. Kick-off is at midday, and the gap means this meeting arrives with the title race still alive but narrowing fast.

Parkhead and Hearts

Celtic and Rangers meet with both Glasgow clubs trying to keep pace with Hearts, who sit four points clear of the champions. Celtic have 22 points and more goals in their last ten games, but they have not beaten Hearts or Rangers in the league this season.

That leaves this derby carrying more weight than a normal local meeting. Celtic have lost eight league games this season, and no side has ever won the Scottish Premiership title with eight league losses. For the champions, the margin for error has already gone.

Rangers After January

Rangers arrive after beating Celtic 3-1 at Celtic's ground in January, and they have not lost to Celtic in the league this season. Danny Rohl said his side are in "a really difficult position" and added that there are nine points to play for.

That is the complication inside the derby: Rangers still have a clean league record against Celtic this season, but they have also lost to Motherwell and Hearts after the split. The form line leaves them needing a result at Parkhead to stay attached to the race rather than chasing it from behind.

Rohl and Rangers Finish

After Sunday, Rangers face Hibs at home and then Falkirk away on the final day. The calendar gives them two more league matches after Parkhead, but the table will decide whether those games still matter in the title chase or become a fight to salvage second place.

For Celtic, the derby is another test of whether they can turn a season with eight league losses into a title run. For Rangers, the next 90 minutes at Parkhead will show whether the January win can still be used as a springboard or just sits as the high point of a stalled campaign.